DIMMU BORGIR — Spiritual Black Dimensions (review)

DIMMU BORGIR — Spiritual Black Dimensions album cover

Album · 1999 · Symphonic Black Metal

4/5 · 2014-04-28
arcane-beautiful

Having pretty much grabbed the metal world's attention with their 3rd release “Enthrone Darkness Triumphant”, the band decided to bite back, with a rather harsh and sharp bite with this album. Being a rather distant sequel compared to the previous album, this album is a bigger foot in the direction of the band's more recent material.

Faster, more aggressive and more dramatic than any of their other albums, it is a big change for the band and turns more towards the traditional black metal sound that dominated the late 90's and early 2000's. Now the band did make a big change with their next album, but this album is rather unique in its sound and style. The songs are faster at times and the mood is definitely darker. The band line up changed, with the additional of Astennu playing lead guitar on the album and the addition of Vortex on vocals (who would soon become a full member of the band) providing a very different dimension to the band. In fact, it could be argued that this album sounds like a faster Arcturus at times. One problem I have with the album is that their newer sound on this album did take away certain characteristics off the bands sound which in my opinion made the band more unique leaving the album to sound like every black metal band out at around this time this album was released.

Lyrically the band have moved into even more evil territory on this album, with more references to Satan and black magic. In fact, some of the lyrics even take dips into rather sexual territory which is something very different for the band. Nagash's lyrics on the album are also a brilliant addition, woth Silenoz taking a rest on the penmanship of the lyrics. Also, the artwork is pretty epic too.

The opening track “Reptile” is a pretty great intro the album. Fast and furious, the song is able to successfully mix Shagrath's icy cold growls to Vortex's luscious tones, with some pretty kick ass guitar work throughout.

One of the most interesting tracks on the album has to be “The Promised Future Aeons.” Starting off with a low synth intro, the song explodes into a big and epic track with some pretty cool twists and turns throughout.

The real highlight of the album comes in the form of “The Insight & The Catharsis.” A brilliant piece of music which mixes then bands heavier side with some brilliant vocals from Vortex throughout. A great build up throughout with an amazing pay off at the end.

One of the most dramatic tracks on the album “Grotesquery Conceiled (Within Measureless Magic).” Mixing demonic narrations with deafening screams and mad Disney sounding music throughout, the song really is a feat of excellence.

The album's closer “Arcane Lifeforce Mysteria” is an interesting tune. Starting off with a keyboard intro which sounds like something out of a Rush song, the song explodes into a dark yet beautiful affair.

In conclusion, this is definitely up there with one of Dimmu's heaviest affairs. While it may not be a personal favourite of mine, it still shows off some brilliant skill from then band and how they can create very unique albums. Probably the band's most evillest album.

7.7/10

Genres: Black Metal, Extreme Metal, Symphonic Black Metal, Progressive Metal

Country of origin: Norway

Year of release: 1999